BATAVIA – The Fox Valley Bike Share Program racks have been installed at two locations in Batavia and the bicycles are now ready for use.

The Batavia racks are located at both the south plaza next to City Hall under the windmill and by the trail at the Depot Museum. Bikes rent for $4 the first hour and $5 for every hour after. There are a total of 12 bikes depending on availability, according to Griffin Price, communications coordinator for the city of Batavia.

"When you see a positive response this large on social media, and residents calling in to ask about the program, you know this is a welcomed addition to our city," Price said.

The Kane Kendall Council of Mayors was able to provide a $7,000 subsidy to each participating entity to get the project running this first year.

The Batavia Bicycle Commission was able to provide this information about the program early on to aldermen and city staff for improving walkability and transportation downtown, Price explained.

The program is led by the Kane County Division of Transportation, which partnered with local entities – city and village officials in Aurora, Montgomery and Batavia, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.

"It's a win-win, it improves pedestrian transportation and provides a great outlet for people looking to get out during the pandemic," said John Gamble, chairman of the Batavia Bicycle Commission.

To rent a bike, download the Koloni App and create an account. Once that's done, scan the QR code to unlock a bike. Renters are asked to return the bike to any of the racks in a participating city.